Following TDEE method, net calories under 1,200

sbl1881

I'm 5'2, 138 and trying to drop the last 15lbs. My TDEE -20% is 1450 calories/day (maintenance is 1875). On the 3-4 days that I work out harder (450-500 calorie burn), is it ok that I'm netting under 1200? I keep reading that you shouldn't go under, but it's confusing when TDEE calculates you do just that.

middlehaitch

You are working from your TDEE which divides the calories burnt through exercise over the course of 7 days. You are getting adequate nutrition during the week even if some days you expend more energy than others.

Cheers, h.

sbl1881

Ok, thanks. I figured I was over thinking it.

concordancia

Since you are near your goal, why not use TDEE-10%, instead of the most aggressive formula meant for those with lots to lose?

mochapygmy

Your TDEE -20% is actually 1500 calories.

1875 × .2 = 375
1875 - 375 = 1500

mochapygmy

concordancia wrote: »

Since you are near your goal, why not use TDEE-10%, instead of the most aggressive formula meant for those with lots to lose?

And this.

WinoGelato

Yes OP with less than 15 lbs to lose you should be aiming for 0.5 lb/week which would be a 250 cal deficit, or 1625 cals. The TDEE less 10% would be a comparable goal and you would consume close to 1700 cals.

sbl1881

Thanks for all the feedback. Funny, my post yesterday was purely because I was bored/hungry and wanted the excuse to eat, and now you're telling me to and I don't wanna! Lol

I know I should be doing the -10%, it's just a little scary eating more when you grew up with the low calorie diet mentality. I'll make the adjustment and see what happens!

Have a great day!

sjohnson__1

Smart adjustment and good luck to ya!

Michael190lbs

Your bodies Muscle requires food if you don't eat properly the muscle will soon become the food then you become less efficient at burning calories. Its a vicious cycle